What will be culinary trends that will define 2025? After a year filled with phenomena such as traditionalist aesthetics, "swicy" (a mix of sweet and spicy) and an obsession with pickles, 2025 promises a fusion of comfort and innovation, satisfying the desire for familiar yet surprising flavors. Here is a roundup of food trends that will dominate the culinary scene.
All crazy about the foods of good mood
In times of social and political uncertainty, consumers are seeking Mood-enhancing foods. The year 2025 will see an evolution of this trend, with ingredients going beyond traditional pizzas and chips. Botanicals such as lemongrass and bergamot, with their calming properties, will take center stage. At the same time, bolder flavors such as Calabrian chili chocolate and smoked salt will offer stimulating experiences.
The rebirth of ravioli
Dumplings and their global "cousins" will experience a renaissance in 2025. From pierogi of sweet potatoes to the stuffed wontons of oxtail, the endless possibilities for customization make these dishes irresistible. This trend will conquer both social media and restaurant menus, thanks to their ability to mix tradition and innovation. Ravioli, pupusas and stuffed pastas will be increasingly present in the cuisines from around the world.
The Tea Revolution
Tea will be more than just a beverage in 2025-it will become a versatile ingredient in desserts, cocktails, and savory recipes. Blends such as rooibos, Earl Grey and floral infusions made from chamomile and nettle will offer refined and aromatic flavors. Expect to see them starring in pastries, concentrates and even fizzy drinks.
The return of the melon
2025 will be the year of the melon, reinterpreted in innovative and sustainable ways. From ancient melons to unusual cucamelon, these varieties will offer a wide range of colors, flavors and textures perfect for Instagram. Melon skins, for example, will be used to garnish cocktails or add a creative touch to cutting boards.
L'authentic Mexican cuisine
Mexican cuisine will finally receive the attention it deserves. Traditional dishes such as la cochinita pibil and drinks such as the café de olla will captivate palates around the world, thanks to their ability to combine intense flavors and a sense of familiarity. Curiosity about lesser-known ingredients will prompt consumers to explore even more of this cuisine rich in history and culture.
A year of innovation and sustainability
The year 2025 will be an exciting one for food enthusiasts. Between sustainable ingredients, reinterpretations of classic dishes, and new fusions, the culinary world will not fail to surprise us. These trends are not just passing fads, but a reflection of changes in the tastes and priorities of modern consumers.
Snacks with storytelling
In the United States, the snack market will evolve further, focusing on products with strong ethnic appeal and an appealing narrative. This trend could also have an impact in Italy, as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Mars, which will push for increasingly diverse and culturally relevant snacks.
Crunchiness as the watchword
From breakfast cereals and granola to veggie chips and dehydrated legumes, the trend of the crunchiness will continue to win over consumers. Even in Italy, historic brands are relaunching innovative products to meet the growing demand for crunchy, healthy snacks.
Functional waters and proteins at the center
A booming trend involves waters enriched with proteins, antioxidants and electrolytes. This sector, already popular in the United States, is gaining momentum in Italy as well. From fortified beverages to snacks, the protein market continues to develop to meet the growing demand for foods that combine taste, health and functionality.
Compostable packaging
The focus on sustainability also comes through compostable packaging. Starting in Europe, this trend is influencing companies globally, pushing them toward innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact.
Sourdough
Sourdough, reborn during the pandemic, will continue to take center stage both in the kitchen and on supermarket shelves. In Italy, many brands are turning to this ingredient to create innovative products, ranging from pizza to desserts.
Plant-Based Aquatic
Ingredients such as algae, water lentils and sea moss are breaking new ground in the plant-based products industry. These sustainable, nutrient-rich foods are emerging as viable and innovative alternatives.
